NFL Notes

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Saints will hire Dallas Cowboys assistant Sean Payton to his first NFL head coaching job, a team official familiar with the decision said Tuesday.

The Saints' official was speaking on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the formal announcement wasn't expected until today.

Payton has been a quarterbacks coach for three seasons under Bill Parcells in Dallas. He also held the title of assistant head coach. Before that, he was a New York Giants assistant, a stint that included that team's NFC Championship in 2000.

Payton was one of five candidates interviewed by the Saints at the team's headquarters last week. The others were Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson, Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon, former Green Bay head coach Mike Sherman and former St. Louis Rams coach Mike Martz.

The Times-Picayune of New Orleans first reported Payton's hiring.

JETS: Patriots defensive coordinator Eric Mangini was hired as New York Jets coach, becoming the youngest head coach in the NFL.

Mangini, a disciple of Bill Belichick, turns 35 Thursday. He replaces Herman Edwards, who left for Kansas City after five seasons.

49ERS: Norv Turner, fired as coach of the Oakland Raiders two weeks ago, moved across San Francisco Bay to become the 49ers' offensive coordinator on Tuesday.

Coach Mike Nolan hired his former boss with the Washington Redskins to replace Mike McCarthy, named the Green Bay Packers' head coach last week after one terrible season with the Niners.

Pees is the Patriots' third defensive coordinator in three seasons. Romeo Crennel left to be coach of the Cleveland Browns after last season's Super Bowl win, leaving the job to Mangini.

SEAHAWKS: Seattle tackle Sean Locklear was released without bail after appearing in court Tuesday in connection with a domestic violence case.

Locklear was not charged but was ordered to have no contact with his live-in girlfriend. He also must abstain from alcohol and drugs while the case is pending. He is to be in court again Feb. 13.

COLTS: The wife of Indianapolis Colts cornerback Nick Harper was released from jail in Noblesville, Ind., on $5,000 bond Tuesday, facing charges of stabbing him with a filet knife during an argument at their home.

Daniell Harper, 31, spent the weekend in the Hamilton County Jail after her arrest Saturday on preliminary charges of battery with a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness.

LIONS: Assistant head coach Mike Singletary will stay with San Francisco after he was removed from the list of candidates for the Detroit Lions' head coaching job, San Francisco coach Mike Nolan said.